Richard E. Grant has been cast in the upcoming 2012 Doctor Who Christmas special. The news came from a tweet from Doctor Who Magazine today. It's interesting to see an official-unofficial past Doctor actor return to the series. You may recall that Richard E. Grant was the original 9th Doctor in the Scream of the Shalka, a story written by Paul Cornell. This animated adventure was produced prior to the television series being relaunched in 2005. We reviewed Scream of the Shalka not too long ago in Doctor Who: Podshock 267. In it, we discussed Richard E. Grant's portrayal of the Doctor and how Scream was the forerunner of Rose.

Here is the new trailer for the upcoming new series of Doctor Who. It is obviously hand held and shot at the 'official Doctor Who Convention' in the UK going on this weekend. A full HD version is coming on Monday.

The shooting for Series 7 is due to start on the 20th February, with rehersals starting this Monday on the 13th.

Writers so far include Steven Moffat, Mark Gattis & John Fay the latter was part resposible for Torchwood Children of Earth. To them Gareth Robberts and Chris "42" Chibnell have also been added, Chris's episode being looked at, at this moment in time for Episode 3.

So spoiler-phobes from the 20th of February fingers in ears and chant the mantra, It's not on TV yet, It's not on TV yet, na na na na na! But I'll see it soon enough....